By Felix Durumbah, Abuja
Today, Eid Al-Adha, is meant for celebrations in the Islamic calendar, but with practical indications of little merrymaking even among many Muslims in different parts of the country, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) pointed a finger at the federal authorities for the dire hardship being faced by majority ordinary Nigerians.
In a statement on the occasion of Sallah (Eid Al-Adha), CAN told the President Bola Tinubu administration, without mincing words, that the socio-economic state of most of the people it is governing is indeed more precipitous than less.
President Tinubu has routinely counseled Nigerians to continue to exercise patience as his administration is aware of what they are going through, insisting that light at the end of the tunnel has come.
But, apparently pushing back against the government’s position on the matter, CAN, in the message signed by its National President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, thumbed down such assertion as it does not tally with the hard realities on ground.
Dismissing the usual resort to statistics, CAN stated that many Nigerians have stopped quantifying the hardship through such figures, numerals, and similar data, as the hard experiences are diametrically opposite.
CAN pointed to irregular meals, owed or unpaid school fees, failed businesses and restless nights by Nigerians as signs that the grinding dust of poverty being experienced by them is no little matter.
Painting graphic pictures of what Nigerians are going through, the Christian body stated: “Currently, many Nigerians do not assess hardship through statistics but through the reality of missed meals, unpaid school fees, shuttered businesses, and sleepless nights.
“Families are grappling with the escalating cost of living.
“Farmers are leaving their lands out of fear, while small enterprises are failing under economic strain.
“Young individuals are increasingly anxious about their futures, and insecurity continues to loom over numerous communities.
“In such times, the profound significance of Eid-el-Kabir becomes even more crucial.”
Urging a change of style in leadership, CAN noted: “Sacrifice should not solely be a burden borne by ordinary citizens; leadership must also embody sacrifice through integrity, moderation, service, compassion, and a visible commitment to the welfare of the populace.”
Advocating further for a U-turn, CAN implored government, politicians, the clergy, security agencies and other leadership stakeholders to use the occasion of Sallah to reinvent and do the needful to restore public trust.
It stated: “This is a critical moment for leaders in government, politics, business, security agencies, and religious organizations to set aside apathy, blame-shifting, and self-serving interests, and concentrate on the urgent need to restore public trust and alleviate the hardships faced by millions of Nigerians.”
Apparently taking a swipe at the government’s Renewed Hope mantra, criticized by many as not deep-affecting enough, given the steepening profile of poverty in the land, CAN said: “Nigerians require tangible hope, not mere promises that have lost their credibility.
“Therefore, this season should act as a moral summons to conscience for all those in positions of authority.
“Public trust cannot be reestablished through rhetoric alone; citizens seek leadership that listens, takes action, and is prepared to share in the sacrifices that ordinary individuals endure daily.”
The body maintained that Eid Al-Adha is a fundamental reminder of faith, obedience, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty God.
